Good morning, Franklin County. Move over, mainstream art world - the unsung heroes of nature's artistry are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. From meticulously carved duck decoys to a jaw-dropping recreation of a prehistoric Smilodon, the Ohio Arts Council's latest exhibition proves that taxidermists and craftspeople have been creating masterpieces right under our noses all along.
In other headlines that blur the lines between art and spectacle, "Dancing with the Stars" is bringing its rhinestone-studded extravaganza to Columbus next month, with Olympic gold medalist Stephen Nedoroscik trading his pommel horse for hosting duties. Meanwhile, central Ohio's manufacturing scene is dancing to its own tune, with Anduril Industries dropping a $452 million economic development plot twist that promises to bring 4,000 new jobs to our backyard.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎨 Overlooked artists who shoot ducks and stuff lions get their gallery spotlight. The Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery exhibition "It's an Honor to Be Here" elevates traditionally uncredited nature artists, from taxidermists to decoy carvers. Co-curators Maria Burke and Madeline Beaumier transformed humble crafts into fine art, displaying 16 artists' works ranging from hand-carved waterfowl to an impressive recreation of a prehistoric Smilodon. The show features diverse pieces including a Great Lakes textile map and microscopic pond photography, giving these skilled creators the recognition they've long deserved. Taxidermist David Might's lion-turned-sabertooth exemplifies the exhibition's blend of technical skill and artistic vision.
💃 "Dancing with the Stars" brings live spectacle to Columbus this February. The hit TV show's touring production will light up the Mershon Auditorium at Wexner Center for the Arts on February 7. Fan-favorite dance pros including Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, and Daniella Karagach will showcase their moves on stage. Olympic gold medalist Stephen "Pommel Horse Guy" Nedoroscik will host the Columbus performance. Tickets are available but pricey, ranging from $279 to $424.
🏭 Ohio lures defense contractor with massive $452 million tax break. Anduril Industries will build a sprawling 5 million-square-foot facility near Columbus, creating 4,000 jobs for military drone production. The project, set to begin operations in 2026, promises over $2 billion in economic output and $800 million in tax revenues. Meanwhile, BJ's Wholesale Club also secured a tax break worth $1.9 million for a new distribution facility in the same county. The two projects represent major economic development wins for central Ohio's growing manufacturing sector.
🏒 Hockey Scoreboard
Troy's hot streak continues as the Trojans skated past Worthington Kilbourne 6-3 in Sunday's non-league showdown, improving their impressive record to 17-6. The Wolves will look to bounce back from this setback, but with Mason and Alter looming on both teams' schedules, the plot only thickens in Ohio high school hockey.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Upper Arlington (20-5-2) | ||
vs St. Charles | T 1-1 (OT) | |
Worthington Kilbourne (14-10-1) | ||
@ Troy | L 6-3 | |
Dublin Jerome (23-4-3) | ||
@ Lincoln | W 7-2 | |
Lincoln (11-6-1) | ||
vs Dublin Jerome | L 7-2 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
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